Albion's Ben Lonergan signs as Prostate United unveils its biggest-ever squad for 2026

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Find out how you can support Prostate Cancer UK this October.

2026-10-02T18:00+01:00

Ben Lonergan will be raising money for Prostate Cancer UK this month. 📸 by Paul Hazlewood.

Academy player performance manager Ben Lonergan has joined the Prostate United squad along with 3,500 other football fans and club staff in pledging to run, walk and compete every day this October in support of Prostate Cancer UK.

It won't be the first time Ben has supported the charity after he conquered the London Marathon in April sporting Prostate Cancer UK colours, and this month Ben is pulling on the Prostate United shirt again.

“Prostate United is a fantastic initiative. The charity and its initiatives are something I'm passionate about due to the close connection and impact the disease has had on a family member," he said.

“Prostate Cancer UK is a brilliant charity that does so much to support men and their loved ones, and running the London Marathon for the charity was a very humbling and inspiring experience.

"I wasn't fully aware of the impact of prostate cancer before my father-in-law’s diagnosis a few years ago. He’s gone on to raise huge awareness nationally since then, so it's great for me to give a little something back and help where possible."

Brighton have long supported Prostate United, and continued that support this summer with Seagulls stars Joao Costinha, Pascal Struijk and Zadok Yohanna proudly posing in the new Prostate United shirt.

Joao Costinha, Pascal Struijk and Zadok Yohanna show their support for Prostate Cancer UK. 📸 by Paul Hazlewood.

"Seeing the football community getting together to raise even more funds and awareness is brilliant. That’s why Prostate Cancer is a club that matters more," Lonergan added.

“I know Brighton have supported the work of Prostate Cancer UK for many years, and long may that continue. Hopefully lots of Seagulls fans will sign up to this challenge, raise some crucial funds and learn about a disease that affects one in eight men. I hope it’s a really successful month.”

From the Premier League to the grassroots game, and from the boardroom to the boot room, Prostate United demonstrates that prostate cancer affects every part of the club. Together, the Prostate United squad is encouraging football fans everywhere to wear the club colours, put in the miles and help save men’s lives by walking or running every day this October.

Fronted by former Seagulls boss Chris Hughton and Luton Town legend Mick Harford - two men diagnosed with the most common cancer in the UK - the squad reflects the roles that make football clubs tick and spotlights a cross-section of the thousands of football fans and staff who have helped Prostate United raise over £1 million and scoop an award at the 2025 Football Business Awards.

Hughton said, "My life changed when I was diagnosed with prostate cancer last year. But my story is ultimately a positive one. I’ve been humbled at the kind messages from within the football community since speaking out, and among the messages I’m passing on is that this is a treatable disease if caught early.

Chris Hughton guided Albion to the Premier League in 2017. 📸 by Paul Hazlewood.

“I’m pragmatic by nature but my aim now is to educate and help people and ultimately change the game for men – and football is the perfect platform to do that.

“Teams win, lose and draw across the UK every week, but Prostate United is the only club that matters. This October staff, fans and famous faces will run, walk and compete every day to raise funds to help beat this disease. It’s a fantastic challenge, and good luck to everyone involved.”

Among those taking their place in the squad are Prostate United founders Stephen Gilpin and Ross Burbeary, who launched the challenge in 2018 after Stephen lost his grandfather to prostate cancer, managers and coaches including Doncaster Rovers duo Grant McCann and Cliff Byrne, and legendary broadcaster and charity ambassador Jeff Stelling.

Prostate cancer affects one in eight men and is now the most common cancer in the UK. The risk is even higher for Black men, with one in four likely to be diagnosed during their lifetime.

Seren Evans, head of events and community fundraising at Prostate Cancer UK said, "What started as a football-led movement eight years ago has grown into a powerful team effort, uniting people from every corner of the football community behind a shared goal of saving men’s lives.

“Everyone has their own reason for signing up to honour or celebrate loved ones affected by prostate cancer. Whether you're representing your club, taking on the challenge with mates, loved ones or going it alone, every mile covered, every step taken and every pound raised helps fund more ground-breaking research and work towards a screening programme to catch prostate cancer early and save lives.

"The Prostate United squad proves that when football comes together it can be an unstoppable force for good, and we’re excited to welcome more signings this year and see who can make the biggest difference.”

Join Prostate United and take on the one rival every club faces: prostate cancer. Because every 45 minutes, one man dies from prostate cancer in the UK – that’s half a football match.

So, sign up this October. Walk or run, 5k or 10k, every day. Fundraise alongside fans, players, kit men, physios and gaffers from clubs across the country to see who can make the biggest difference. Join the club that matters more.